THE CHRISTCHURCH TRAMPER Published by CHRISTCHURCH TRAMPING CLUB INC PO Box 527, Christchurch. www.ctc.org.nz Affiliated with the Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ Inc. Any similarity between the opinions expressed in this newsletter and Club policy is purely coincidental. Vol. 84 December 2014/January 2015 No. 8 The CHRISTCHURCH TRAMPING CLUB has members of all ages, and runs tramping trips every weekend, ranging from easy (minimal experience required) to hard (high fitness and experience required). We also organise instructional courses and hold weekly social meetings. We have a club hut in Arthurs Pass and have gear available for hire to members. Membership rates per year are $45 member, $65 couple, $25 junior or associate, with a $5 discount for members who opt to obtain this newsletter electronically. A Frozen Lake Angelus For more about how the club operates, see the last two pages. News CHANGE OF CLUB ROOM VENUE: CHANGE OF CLUB ROOM VENUE to University of Canterbury, Room 533, Rutherford Building, effective 1 FEB 2015. We are leaving the Canterbury Horticultural Centre and moving the club room to the University of Canterbury for 2015 from 1 Feb 2015. Security doors will be open for entry on Wednesday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. See the club website (About the CTC : Where do we meet?) for a map showing the location of the room. Obituaries Doug Airey: Doug Airey, who died on the 11 November this year, was a long-standing CTC member. He joined back in 1962, was club treasurer in the early 1960s, and was still an Associate Member 52 years later until his resignation this year. His wife, Retta, was also a club member back in the 1960s. 1
Tramper of the Month: Lovisa Eriksson I'm a Swedish Agronomist who initially came to New Zealand in 2007 to work on farms where agriculture wasn't subsidized, purely out of curiosity of what difference that made to agriculture. I know that's a bit strange (navel gazing) but subsidies are so heavily shapening the European agriculture and I just really like to satisfy my curiosity. I was only going to be here for a little over a year but I met Andrew so I came back again in 2011 (and rejoined the CTC...). Now I'm doing field trials with agricultural pesticides, testing new products to see how they perform so I spend a lot of time in paddocks counting weeds, diseases and insects What interests or hobbies do you have, other than tramping? I used to do a quite a few outdoors activities such as long-distance ice-skating, skiing (Nordic-style) and sea kayaking, but the first two aren't really compatible with the New Zealand climate so I still need to find suitable replacements. I play cello: I'm trying to get back into it after having been very slack for a long time which is really painful (in all meanings). What were your first day and weekend trips? My first day trip was Red Hill, lead by Susan. I secretly think she thought I needed thorough vetting, checking on me herself. This was also the trip where I got introduced to spaniards and Jonathan's potato crisp lunch (high energy content low weight argument). My first weekend trip was an easy-moderate doing the Casey-Binser loop. Who or what had the biggest influence on your tramping days? Probably my father, we used to do one longish (6-10 days) tramp each year. What are your favourite tramps? I don't have favourite tramps. I really dislike repetition when tramping. I always try to go to places I haven't been to before, it could be just an alternative route or something similar so it's not that hard. Your favourite hut? My favourite hut is always the one I get to at the end of a long and demanding day, so it keeps on changing the whole time. What future trips are you most looking forward to? Anything that I haven't done before... Have any interesting or funny things happened to you while tramping? Plenty of weird things go on when I go ski-touring (Nordic style = really skinny skies = really hard to go down-hill and turn with the addition of deep fluffy snow - I've been beetled so many times) but not when tramping. Although I went on a tramp in the Pyrenees with the UCPA (a French organisation) and everyone started yelling vautoure, vautoure! and we could see this big shadow from above, hear the swoosh and feel the wind and it was these two Bearded vultures playing in the up-winds. That was quite amazing, they're really big birds with a wing-span of 2.3-2.8 m. Apart from that, my duck-board challenge from a lemming might be viewed as interesting. Duck-boards in Sweden 2
are simply two planks laid out side by side so there's very little room to meet someone, but I wouldn't have thought a lemming would try to challenge me. Lemmings are very small (12-15 cm), but very fierce, so this lemming was sitting on its bum, with the little paws raised and going all out hissing and tooting aggressively as I approached it and it just didn't want to give way; I was almost stepping over it when it ran off the board. Lemmings are strangely fierce: have a look at this one http://www.nrk.no/video/lemen_i_klisteret/a712f0b2e858875e/ Calendar of trips and Social Events Trips: Unless otherwise stated, club trips depart either from 'Z' Carlton Corner Service Station (formerly Shell) at 1 Papanui Road (next to Liquor Land and opposite Derby Street) or from Caltex Russley on the corner of Russley Road and Yaldhurst Rd. If the departure point is not specified in the trip schedule, you may assume it's 'Z' Carlton. Day trips usually depart at 8am on Saturday or Sunday. Weekend trips may leave on either Friday evening or Saturday morning. New or prospective members intending to go on any trip must sign up at club night or contact the trip leader in advance. CTC OVERDUE TRIPS: Members/family/partners or a nominated person concerned about a trip being overdue should firstly discuss this with a Club Officer when they feel that the trip is delayed. Refer to the list of Club Officers on the back of the newsletter and on the club website. Club Officers know where to obtain copies of the Trip Lists containing the names and addresses of the party members with their vehicle registration details etc. This will greatly assist Police Search and Rescue. The Club Officer can then contact the Police directly. Concerned people should keep trying different numbers until they actually contact a Club Officer (DO NOT LEAVE MESSAGES). We recommend that concerned people start with the Club Captain, then the Gear Custodian, then the Presidents, then the Trip Organisers, then people listed under Our Club Hut - if no contact can be made then the Police. Members (particularly Trip Leaders) please discuss this arrangement with your loved ones so they are aware of this procedure. Social: Until 1 February 2015 we meet on Wednesdays 7:30 pm at the Canterbury Horticultural Centre (Watling Lounge), Hagley Park South, 57 Riccarton Avenue (entrance opposite the hospital). From 1 February onwards the venue will be Room 533, Rutherford Building, the University of Canterbury. A variety of social functions are organised, the atmosphere is informal, and tea and biscuits served. If you can give a presentation or have ideas, please phone Kate Taylor 980-8224 or email kate-taylor@clear.net.nz. Please note that formalities start at 7:50 pm sharp, and if there is a guest speaker, he/she will start at 8:10 pm sharp.. Saturday 29 November Leader: Bruce Cameron 022188 5905 365 8210 Lady Barker Range (780m): A circuit above the Selwyn River's Grade: Easy upper reaches overlooking septembers Middlerock farm tramp. Closes: 27 Nov Great views of Mount Hut, and the Rakaia and Selwyn Valleys, BX21 Time: 4-5hrs (Kids ok. Contact Leader first TecBruce@gmail.com ) Approx: $20 3
Saturday 29 November Departure point: Caltex Russley Leader: Chris McGimpsey 03 3589125 TORTIS Tours presents, "How to get lost for beginners": A chance to learn and practise some basic bush craft skills and survival tips, in case you ever get "misplaced" on a tramping trip. Due to budget constraints this will not be a Bear Grylls episode involving helicopters or dead possum stew. Instead it will be a chance to learn and refine the simple skills of route finding, building a shelter, lighting a fire etc. This will be perfect use of a Saturday for all those trampers who fail (or want to build on) Adrian's navigation course. Bring your normal day backpack, a big lunch and a sense of humour, because everything else required for the course will be provided. Each trip is restricted to a max of four people. Any trip survivors may be involved in a post-trip debrief at the Oxford pub on the Sunday night. This will run every Saturday in November if there is enough demand. Weekend 29-30 November Grade: EasyMod Closes: 27 Nov BW22 Approx: $15 Leader: Craig Beere 381-0839 havokk@ihug.co.nz Interesting Food Competition at Hawdon Hut: Did you ever choose a hut by the size of its kitchen? Well, this trip is all about food and not too much about tramping. It is just 9 km each way with a total height gain of 150 m, with an option of an afternoon wander to Walker Pass.There will be a competition for Most Interesting Dinner with a small prize for the winner. What are the rules? Simple - no boring food! Sunday 30 November Grade: Easy Closed: 20 Nov BV21 Approx: $30 + Accom Leader: Alastair Brown 338-1324 Mt Cheeseman-Mt Cloudsley Traverse: Starting from the Hogs Back car park on Mt Cheeseman Road, we'll climb ~1200 m up to Mt Cheeseman (2031 m), then head 4-5 km south along the main spine of the Craigieburn Range to Mt Cloudsley (2017 m). We'll descend via Long Spur, taking the north branch towards Long Creek and then pick up the Hogs Back track back to the cars. If the conditions are unfavourable, then the ridge projecting east from Mt Izard should be a suitable bail-out option. Wednesday 3 December Grade: ModHard Closes: 27 Nov BW20 Approx: $20 Club Night Iceland!: Noel went walking and found himself on the the 55km Laugavegurinn Trail in Iceland. National Geographic say it is one of the most beautiful walks in the world. A quick preview of some photos indicates this is not an over-statement. Come and see some lovely photos of a part of the world not many of us have been to, and Noel-the-Walker will share with us his experiences there. 4
Saturday 6 December Leader: Bruce Cameron 022188 5905 365 8210 Tecbruce@gmail.com Lake Coleridge - Family Day:: This is a day for the littlees to come tramping with a chance to see inside the power station where the Electrickary Monster hides. This tramp is especially for under 7s with there moms and dads. The walking pace & distance is for the kids, more like a family picnic day. Still in planning stage & hoping to be able to include something for the bigger kids or perhaps an Easy grade tramp for all. Height: 50m 3-4 hrs Saturday 6 December Early start (probably 7 am) BW20 Approx: $20 Leader: David Sutton 0211808081 david.sutton@cdhb.govt.nz Mt Taylor: At 2333 m, Mt Taylor is the highest of Canterbury "foothills". Recent CTC plans to attempt this peak with an overnight stay at Double Hut have been foiled by the weather. So this time, and with the assistance of longer daylight hours, we'll attempt it in a single day from Christchurch. It will be an early start from Christchurch -- probably 7 am but maybe earlier, so make sure that you contact the leader. Weekend 6-7 December Grade: Easy/All Closes: 4 Dec Grade: ModHard Closes: 4 Dec BX19 Approx: $35 Leader: Liz Tanner 0211400531 Kaikoura Base Camp: Walk out to Haumuri bluff Saturday, staying at a house at South Bay (30 per person). Shared meal Saturday night - bring wine nibbles, whatever. Sunday at leisure. Possible coastal track jaunt, lunch then home. If people want to go up Mt Fyffe early that's another possibility. Weekend 6-7 December Grade: All Closes: 27 Nov Approx: Leader: Andrew Tromans 337-3925 atromans@gmail.com Mauka Atua: A 2557m peak in the Ben Ohau range near Mt Cook. Leave Saturday morning and walk in and camp in Bush stream. A straight forward climb of about 1000m followed by a traverse of a narrow ridge for about 500m to the summit. Ice axe, crampons and helmet required. Weekend 6-7 December + Closes: 27 Nov BY15 Approx: $45 Leader: William King 03 3578922 Tomb Thumb Col: Tom Thumb Col crosses the Two Thumb Range just south of The Thumbs. Having crossed the Col you can camp in Two Thumbs Stream. Despite the lack of variety in the names this is a very scenic area to get into for a weekend in the hills. Possibly approaching the Col via Brabzon Range and exiting into Bush Stream but contact the leader for more details. 5 + Closes: 27 Nov BX17 BX18 Approx: $30
Sunday 7 December 7.30 am Leader: Michael Newlove 355-8360 newmike@slingshot.co.nz Gabriel Hut and Lake Sumner: The cute little Gabriel Hut is reached from a track starting at the Sisters Stream on the Lake Sumner Road. From the swing bridge crossing the Hurunui River, the track traverses a series of ancient river terraces, making it an easy walk to the hut with little height gain. From the hut, there is the option of a short walk to Lake Sumner. Return the same way. Note the early start time of 7:30 am. Sunday 7 December Grade: Easy Closes: 4 Dec BU23 Approx: $25 Leader: Bernhard Parawa 337 3125 bernhard.parawa@cdhb.govt.nz Pyramid: Pyramid is the 1608 m peak standing sentinel over the confluence of the Hawdon and Waimakariri Rivers. Staring from the Hawdon Shelter car park we will ford the Hawdon River and Sudden valley before climbing, at first through bush, to the summit. From there, we'll carry north along the ridge till we come to a convenient scree slope to the upper Sudden Valley. We'll walk out via Sudden valley Stream. Leaving from the "Z "garage Papanui Rd 8:00am. Wednesday 10 December Closes: 4 Dec BV21 Approx: $20 Club Night Annual BBQ Heathcote Valley: Annual BBQ - It's the top end of Heathcote Park at the corner of Port Hills Rd and Bridal Path Road (just below the turn into the Gondola). Aim to arrive after 6:30pm. BBQs will be arranged. Bring all your own food and liquid, chairs + any sports gear for soccer or cricket, croquet etc...a great social time to catch up and celebrate Christmas arriving soon. Saturday 13 December Leader: Michael Newlove 355-8360 newmike@slingshot.co.nz Lake Rubicon and beyond: Out west past Springfield. A pleasant day hike that leads in over rolling farm land and on up the valley to the little gem that is Lake Rubicon nestled in the foothills of Mt Torlesse. A perfect place for lunch. Further ramblings may be possible up the valley. 6 Grade: Easy Closes: 11 Dec BW21 Approx: $15
Saturday 13 December at 12 noon Leader: Adrian Busby 325-5001 adrian.busby1@gmail.com River crossing course: Undertaking a river crossing course is the closest thing we have in the CTC to a compulsory training course, in NZ everyone heading to the hills, even easy day tramps needs to have good river crossing skills and more importantly the skill to decide not to cross! With a large number of our new members from overseas where river crossing skills are almost entirely absent this course is a 'must do' for these members. Again get your name down on the list as this course fills fast and places are limited. Note the noon departure time. Weekend 13-14 December Grade: Training Closes: 11 Dec Approx: None Leader: Doug Forster 337-5453 doug@forster.net.nz Mt Pfeifer: A great little overnight trip. From the Deception footbridge over the Otira River you follow a rocky riverbed up through the scrub to the tussock tops. Sidle around the mountain into the large basin containing the bivi. An easy scramble takes you to the top of Mt Pfeifer, a fine spot to sit and watch the sunset. Weekend 13-14 December Closes: 4 Dec K33 Approx: Leader: Liz Tanner 0211400531 Peel Forest Base Camp: Easy/hard/.../whatever. Peel forest has a plethora of walks of all grades so people can choose their own level. Usually we go up Little Mt Peel on the Saturday and on Sunday do the Denniston walk, the Fern walk or view giant trees and giant lilies (3 metres in height) at Archeron homestead. Shared meal at camp ground on Saturday night - you can tent or there are cabins. Please make your own bookings. lizjtanner@gmail.com Sunday 14 December Grade: Basecamp Closes: 4 Dec Approx: Leader: David Sutton 0211808081 david.sutton@cdhb.govt.nz Black Range: The Black Range is the block of high peaks extending along the southern side of the Waimakariri River from Mt Horrible in the east to Mottram Peaks in the west. This trip is nearer the eastern end of the range. Starting from the SH73 bridge over Broad Stream, we'll follow a track up to Harper Saddle (~1370 m), then climb southeast over Pts 1672, 1656, 1734 and 1854 m before heading north along the ridge back to Broad stream. This will be a long day of about 20 km travel and ~1700 m height gain, so you'll need plenty of stamina. 7 Grade: ModHard Closes: 11 Dec BV20 Approx: $25
Wednesday 17 December Club Night End of Year Breakup: But never fear, we're not really breaking up, honest. Not for good anyway. This is the annual potluck dinner and the final social event for the year, formerly known as "The Plate and Crate.". The doors open at 6.00pm and eating begins at 6:30pm. Bring plenty of food to share and your own liquid refreshment. This is a great social night to catch up with friends as well as club members who do not usually come to club nights. Venue: the usual club night meeting room (Horticultural Centre). Saturday 20 December Departure point: Caltex Russley Leader: Michele Hood 027-331-4779 mickyh42@xtra.co.nz Woolshed Hill: Woolshed Hill (1429 m) stands above the Hawdon River, off the Mt White Road. Why is it called Woolshed? Good question with no obvious answer. There will be about 820 m of ascent, mostly through beech, following a good track up the crest of a ridge and then about a kilometre of tussocky tops. The first 300 m or so up is reasonably steep. There are great views from the top down into the Waimakariri/Hawdon confluence and the upper Sudden Valley (bring your maps and count off the names of polar explorers as you identify the bumps on the Polar Range); and, on the other side, Andrews Stream. Weekend 20-21 December Departure point: Leave from 'Z' garage, Papanui Rd, 8:00 am Grade: EasyMod Closes: 18 Dec BV21 Approx: $25 Leader: Bernhard Parawa 337 3125 bernhard.parawa@cdhb.govt.nz Lake Guyon: Drive to Fowler Hut St James area & walk to Lake Grade: Easy/Mod Guyon, the aim is to make the trip a relaxing pre-christmas trip Closes: 11 Dec (another reason to put off Xmas shopping). Plenty of camping BT24 areas & places to explore. Approx: $30 Sunday 21 December Departure point: Caltex Russley Leader: Jenny Harlow 349-2280 pumpkinnz@gmail.com Hamilton Peak: From the Broken River ski field road (park before locked gate), we'll climb up to Camp Saddle via the the track that zig-zags up through the bush to the edge of the basin and then sidles around the basin. From the saddle, we'll turn left, climb up scrambly loose weetbix rubbish (helmets might be useful), head along the ridge top and ascend the scree slope to the summit (1922 m). We'll shelter behind the shed for lunch (because it is always blowing a gale up there), then proceed down the main Craigieburn Ridge over Nervous Knob and above the ski field, picking up the top of the road to return to the cars. The trip leader reserves right to change the route, and possibly the venue, on the day -- but the overall grade will stay the same. 8 Closes: 18 Dec BW21 Approx: $20
Saturday 27 December Leader: Michael Newlove 355-8360 newmike@slingshot.co.nz Foggy Peak: Foggy Peak is just beside Porters Pass - yes, let the car do most of the hard work. Start at 940 m with 800 m height gain up the stony slopes of Foggy Peak (1741 m) for lunch. Great views along the Torlesse Range and across to the Craigieburns. Return the same way. Long Weekend 1-4 January Grade: EasyMod Closes: 25 Dec BW21 Approx: $15 Leader: Thomas Matern 354-4309 matern.nz@gmail.com Harper Pass Crossover: The Harper Pass route has been used by Maori to access greenstone and was later used by Europeans during the gold rush. The track is accessible from Aickens Corner in the west and Windy Point on the east. We will need two parties, one starting from each end, to swap car keys in the middle. From west to east we will follow the Taramakau to Locke Stream Hut (No 4 Hut) and stay there the first night. This is an easy open valley with numerous easy river crossings. On the second day we will cross Harper Pass (500m height gain) and descent into the Hurunui Valley. We will camp by the hot pool or carry on to the Hurunui Hut for the second night. Day 3 will see us crossing the Hurunui River and sidle along Lake Sumner to Hope Kiwi Lodge. From there we will walk back to the road on the fourth day. The second party will do this trip in reverse and stay at the same places. The track is part of the Te Araroa walkway and is in a great condition, however, it is a total of 86km long. A certain level of fitness is required as we need to carry tents and cover over 20km each day. The trip date is not flexible! The trip can be shortened to 3 days if the weather requires it, in this case we will walk out to Lake Tayler instead of Windy Point. Sunday 4 January Grade: Easy Mod Closes: 25 Dec BU22 BU21 Approx: $50 Leader: Michael Newlove 355-8360 newmike@slingshot.co.nz Flock Hill escarpment: Explore the amazing rocky escarpment where the first of the Chronicles of Narnia was filmed. We will start from the Cave Stream Reserve and walk up to and along the escarpment, then drop down to Flock Hill Stream for lunch. The return trip gives us great views of the escarpment. Approx 300 m height gain. 9 Grade: EasyMod Closes: 1 Jan BW21 Approx: $20
Thursday 8 January 6.15 pm start Departure point: Corner of Heybridge Lane off Hillsborough Terrace Leader: Warwick Dowling 981-2045 CTC Hill Climb -- 6:15pm-7:15pm during daylight saving hours: Meet at 6:15pm, on the corner of Heybridge Lane off Hillsborough Terrace, every Thursday evening for an hour of power walking/tramping in the Mt Vernon Park. No trip list, just turn up - except if wet or if there is a public holiday next day. Note new day of THURSDAY. Saturday 10 January Closes: 8 Jan Approx: $0 Leader: Michael Newlove 355-8360 newmike@slingshot.co.nz Pudding Hill Stream: This gives us a varied round trip in the Mt Hutt forest, starting in the Awa Awa Rata Reserve and walking up the Scotts Saddle Track to the ski field road through mixed forest and then tussock tops - height gain around 600 m. From the road, we follow a track through forest to reach Pudding Hill Stream which we follow for about 6 km and then back to the reserve. Round trip approx 12 km. Sunday 11 January Grade: EasyMod Closes: 8 Jan BX20 Approx: $25 Leader: Ruth Gray 3745547 ruthterina@yahoo.co.nz Mt Somers: Mt Somers is a very popular peak that can be accessed from many points of the compass. On this occasion, we'll start from the Sharplin Falls car park, climbing up over Dukes Knob to the Bowyer Stream valley and thence to Pinnacles Hut. We'll then find a way through the basaltic formations to the summit (1687 m), descending over Staveley Hill to make it a round trip back to the cars. All told, about 1500 m height gain and 14 km of horizontal distance. Thursday 15 January 6.15 pm start Departure point: Corner of Heybridge Lane off Hillsborough Terrace BW20 Approx: $25 Leader: Warwick Dowling 981-2045 CTC Hill Climb -- 6:15pm-7:15pm during daylight saving hours: Meet at 6:15pm, on the corner of Heybridge Lane off Hillsborough Terrace, every Thursday evening for an hour of power walking/tramping in the Mt Vernon Park. No trip list, just turn up - except if wet or if there is a public holiday next day. Note new day of THURSDAY. 10 Closes: 8 Jan Closes: 15 Jan Approx: $0
Saturday 17 January 7 am departure Leader: Bernhard Parawa 337 3125 bernhard.parawa@cdhb.govt.nz Mt Te Kinga: Te Kinga is a granitic block reaching just over 1200 m above the south east shore of Lake Brunner (Moana). Its forest-clad precipitous slopes look very imposing from the east, but this trip will follow the ridge track from Cashmere Bay on the eastern shore of Moana. The height gain is about 1100 m over about 8 km (one way). On returning to the cars there is the possibility of an end-of-tramp bonus swim. Note the early departure time. Weekend 17-18 January Closes: 15 Jan BU20 Approx: $40 Leader: Bruce Cameron 365 8210 Tecbruce@gmail.com Mt Brown Hut Circuit: Leaving town on Sat morning, should be time for lunch on the beach at Hokitika before heading in to Lake Kaniere. From the Geologist Creek carpark it's 2 to 4 hours uphill to the hut on the tussock tops. On Sunday the track heads past the original hut site, down into the Styx River which is followed down to the road. Weekend 17-18 January Departure point: Caltex Russley Grade: Easy Closes: 8 Jan BV19 Approx: $40 + hut fee Leader: Chris McGimpsey 027 657 3070 03 3589125 Mt Somers - Pinnacles Hut - Mt Winterslow Weary Womble: Walk from the Sharplin Falls car park up through the bush & scrub up onto Mt Somers for lunch in the sun. A clear sunny day is promised so there will be plenty of time to work on your tan while admiring the view of Mt Winterslow. Once food & photos are finished it is off down the mountain towards the track from Woolshed Hut for tea & a bed at the Pinnacles Hut. After a hearty Sun morning breakfast its back up the track towards the Woolshed hut to pick up the ridge leading up to point 1625. Once on the tops its onwards to Mt Winterslow for lunch & a view of Mt Somers, before heading down the ridge to Dukes Knob & the car park. A good chance to walk off your Xmas pudding, practise travelling light & knock off two mountains in a weekend. This trip will be run at a very easy pace due to the trip leader being slightly jaded after a busy festive tramping season. 11 but at an easy pace Closes: 8 Jan BX20 BX19 Approx: $30
Weekend 17-18 January Departure point: Caltex Russley Leader: Steve Bruerton 322-6196 steve.ngaire@xtra.co.nz Pito Peak: Leaving from the Caltex Russley at 8am Sat morning. Pito Peak (2401m) is the highest point in the Big Hill Range, close to Mt Arrowsmith. It easily overlooks the Potts Range and most mountains on the other side of the Lawrence River. The plan is to 4WD up the South Ashburton river on farm tracks to the hut in the upper valley. So places on the trip will be restricted to seats available. If the wx looks really nice we might wander some way up the mountain and bivy to make it an easier day on Sunday. Its 1300m from the valley floor to the top. Sunday 18 January 7.30 am Grade: ModHard (requires snow skills) Closes: 8 Jan BW18 J35 Approx: $60 Leader: Michael Newlove 355-8360 newmike@slingshot.co.nz Woolshed Creek Hut, Bus Stop Overhang, Rhyolite Ridge: This gives us a varied round trip following the Mt Somers Walkway from the Woolshed Creek car park up through bush and then open sub alpine herb field to the Woolshed Creek Hut -- 350 m height gain. On the way, we will look at the old coal mine workings. From the hut, up to the Bus Stop Overhang - 500 m height gain from the hut. From there it is down the Rhyolite Ridge back to the car park. Note the slightly early start time of 7.30 am. Thursday 22 January 6.15 pm start Departure point: Corner of Heybridge Lane off Hillsborough Terrace Closes: 15 Jan BX19 Approx: $25 Leader: Warwick Dowling 981-2045 CTC Hill Climb -- 6:15pm-7:15pm during daylight saving hours: Meet at 6:15pm, on the corner of Heybridge Lane off Hillsborough Terrace, every Thursday evening for an hour of power walking/tramping in the Mt Vernon Park. No trip list, just turn up - except if wet or if there is a public holiday next day. Note new day of THURSDAY. Multi day trip 23-24 January Closes: 22 Jan Approx: $0 Leader: Adrian Busby 325-5001 adrian.busby1@gmail.com Basic navigation: Adrian will run a two-part training course intended to give good basic all-round insight into navigation in the mountains. It covers GPS use and the more essential aspects of navigation, such as map reading and compass work. The first part will be conducted on Friday night. Then we'll go out on the hills near Little River on Saturday, starting at 9.00 am. You must attend the Friday night session in order to be able to do the field work. You must also put your name on the Trip list since this course always fills rapidly. 12 Grade: Training Closes: 15 Jan Approx: None
Saturday 24 January Leader: Warwick Dowling 981-2045 warwick.dowling@gmail.com Mt Olympus: We intend to tackle Mt Olympus (2094 m) from the Ryton River Road, going as far as possible in the vehicles. Expect Closes: 22 Jan up to 1300m height gain and up to 22 km on a loop route. BW20 Approx: $30 Weekend 24-25 January Leader: Radu Popovici popovici.radustefan@gmail.com Mt Alarm: Friday night drive into the Clarence Valley. Big day Saturday starting at an obnoxious early hour. Recover via ice cream at Kaikoura on Sunday. Or camp high Saturday and climb Sunday. Either way there will be icecream. Trip weather dependent, may run on a subsequent weekend. Weekend 24-25 January Grade: Hard Closes: 15 Jan BS28 BS27 Approx: $50+Accom Leader: Thomas Matern 354-4309 matern.nz@gmail.com Sawcut Gorge: A stunning geological feature - the sawcut gorge is a must do summer trip. Only about 5km each way to Isolation Hut via the gorge but the walking is riverbed, not formed track. Options from the hut include climbing up to Ben More, Isolation Hill, or visiting the "zoo". We'll do a communial "Tramping Potluck Dinner" for Saturday night, where for those wanting to express their hut-kitchen culinary skills they get the chance. Please PLEASE let the leader know what you are going to bring, so that we don't end up eating a tiny ration of main course, and 10 mega-rich chocolate deserts!* We'll leave 7am Saturday morning, as it's about a 4 hour drive. However, if enough people are interested, there is always the option of staying in Kaikoura Friday night which is about halfway. Thursday 29 January 6.15 pm start Departure point: Corner of Heybridge Lane off Hillsborough Terrace Closes: 15 Jan BS28 Approx: $50 Leader: Warwick Dowling 981-2045 CTC Hill Climb: Meet at 6:15pm, on the corner of Heybridge Lane off Hillsborough Terrace, every Thursday evening for an hour of power walking/tramping in the Mt Vernon Park. No trip list, just turn up - except if wet or if there is a public holiday next day. Note new day of THURSDAY. 13 Grade: Wet Closes: 29 Jan Approx: $0
Saturday 31 January Leader: Michael Newlove 355-8360 newmike@slingshot.co.nz Lake Georgina/Mt Georgina/Red Lakes: Situated in the alpine Lake Coleridge basin tussockland area. We set out from Lake Georgina (542 m), climbing up to Mt Georgina (944 m) for some great views We then descend through open scrub country to visit Red Lakes and out to the Lyndon Rd. The trip will involve a car shuffle. Weekend 31 January-1 February Departure point: Caltex Russley Grade: EasyMod Closes: 29 Jan BW20 Approx: $25 Leader: Chris McGimpsey 03 3589125 judychris@xnet.co.nz Croesus Hut - Mt Watson Golden Loop: Leaving 8am Saturday morning. Drive to Blackball before walking 4-5 hrs up the Croesus track exploring the old gold mine workings on the way in. Stay in the Ces Clarke hut Sat night with great views back down the valley, plus the chance to watch the sun set over the Tasman Sea. On Sunday after a good sleep & a big breakfast walk out along the tops from Croesus Knob to Mt Watson. This route out will reward the lucky trampers with 3 hours of fabulous views down the length of the West Coast. From Mt Watson there is perfectly good trail down through the bush which ends up back at the car park. A great mix of bush & tops walking with lots of great scenery, plus some historical mining equipment to look at. A brilliant West Coast weekend trip for someone wanting to step up to an overnight moderate trip. Thursday 5 February 6.15 pm start Departure point: Corner of Heybridge Lane off Hillsborough Terrace Closes: 22 Jan BT20 BT19 Approx: $50 Leader: Warwick Dowling 981-2045 CTC Hill Climb -- 6:15pm-7:15pm during daylight saving hours: Meet at 6:15pm, on the corner of Heybridge Lane off Hillsborough Terrace, every Thursday evening for an hour of power walking/tramping in the Mt Vernon Park. No trip list, just turn up - except if wet or if there is a public holiday next day. Note new day of THURSDAY. 14 Closes: 5 Feb Approx: $0
Long Weekend 6-8 February Leader: Natasha Sydorenko 0223140684 n.sydorenko@hotmail.com Ball Pass: Ball Pass Crossing is a serious alpine route, crossing the Mount Cook Range between the Hooker and Tasman Valleys. The route provides spectacular views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, Mt Sefton, the Copland Pass and the Hooker and Tasman Glaciers. The trip will start at the White Horse Hill camping area and travel up the East Hooker, over Ball Pass (sidling around under Mounts Rosa and Mabel) and down the Ball Ridge to the Tasman Valley and Ball Hut. Or possibly start in the Tasman and cross to the Hooker, depends which side of bed the leader gets out of. You will need alpine experience and appropriate gear. There may be a group doing a harder side trip to explore north over Turner and Proud peaks and attempt Pibrac (2514m) Long Weekend 6-8 February + (requires snow skills) Closes: 29 Jan BX15 BX16 Approx: $45 Leader: Michele Hood mickyh42@xtra.co.nz Tarn Hut, Youngman Stream Hut: A cruisy couple of nights away in the hills in the Lees Valley behind Oxford. Tarn Hut is up near the top of Lilburn Hill, about 10km and 900m height gain. But that means its mostly all downhill on Saturday to Youngman Stream Hut. Then you can spend the afternoon climbing onto the Pancake Range. On Sunday follow the Youngman Stream down the valley back to the start. Sunday 8 February Grade: Easy Closes: 29 Jan BV22 Approx: $25 Leader: Michael Newlove 355-8360 newmike@slingshot.co.nz Nikau Palm Gully: We have not been able to do this trip for the last four years because of the danger of rock falls as a result of the earthquakes. So, here is your chance to see this little gem in the Akaroa Heads scenic zone with big cliffs, sea birds, palm trees and more. The gully is acclaimed as one of the best forest remnants in Canterbury with an amazing collection of huge nikau palms. Approximately 12 km of walking with some gently rolling hills and great views of Akaroa Harbour. This is one of the few peninsula tramps that gets you out close to the steep headlands and bays with a good safe track all the way. Thursday 12 February 6.15 pm start Departure point: Corner of Heybridge Lane off Hillsborough Terrace BY25 Approx: $20 Leader: Warwick Dowling 981-2045 CTC Hill Climb: Meet at 6:15pm, on the corner of Heybridge Lane off Hillsborough Terrace, every Thursday evening for an hour of power walking/tramping in the Mt Vernon Park. No trip list, just turn up - except if wet or if there is a public holiday next day. Note new day of THURSDAY. 15 Grade: Easy+ Closes: 5 Feb Closes: 12 Feb Approx: $0
Weekend 14-15 February Leader: Cristina Zablan 03 374 6354 Dasler Pinnacles: I'm keen to go to Dasler Pinnacles in Hopkins Valley. The idea is to leave from Christchurch on Friday at around 4pm, then drive down all the way to Oamarama. On Saturday,we will head up to the Hopkins valley, climb to bushline and camp. Then climb the peak via North ridge on Sunday. This trip is moderate, plenty of rock scrambling and scree running. Here is the general info of the area: Closes: 5 Feb BY14 BY15 Approx: approx $50 http://climbnz.org.nz/nz/si/canterbury/naumann-range/dasler-pinna cles Thursday 19 February 6.15 pm start Departure point: Corner of Heybridge Lane off Hillsborough Terrace Leader: Warwick Dowling 981-2045 warwick.dowling@gmail.com CTC Hill Climb: Meet at 6:15pm, on the corner of Heybridge Lane off Hillsborough Terrace, every Thursday evening for an hour of power walking/tramping in the Mt Vernon Park. No trip list, just turn up - except if wet or if there is a public holiday next day. Note new day of THURSDAY. Weekend 21-22 February Closes: 19 Feb Approx: $0 Leader: Bill Johnson bill@billjohnson.co.nz Mt Speight: A bit of river travel, some bush bashing, tussock basin campsites, a rocky ridge with one or two exposed moves near the start but mostly an easy scramble on to the top, and even some scree to get back down into Creenlaw Ck. Some rock routes on the buttress if you want to carry a bit more gear up the hill. Thursday 26 February 6.15 pm start Departure point: Corner of Heybridge Lane off Hillsborough Terrace BV20 Approx: $30 Leader: Warwick Dowling 981-2045 CTC Hill Climb: Meet at 6:15pm, on the corner of Heybridge Lane off Hillsborough Terrace, every Thursday evening for an hour of power walking/tramping in the Mt Vernon Park. No trip list, just turn up - except if wet or if there is a public holiday next day. Note new day of THURSDAY. 16 Grade: ModHard Closes: 12 Feb Closes: 26 Feb Approx: $0
Trip Reports 13-14 September 2014 Rocky Creek - Griffin Creek With a forecast of drizzly rain 10 brave trampers took off to the West Coast. After some discussions ahead of the trip we decided to start at the Harringtons Creek end as predictions of the time it took to go in via Rocky Creek ranged from not far to over 8 hours. We parked the car without a drop of rain in sight well, I admit there was some cloud. We set off up the hill for some it was one hell of a hill. By the time we reached the top drizzle had set in making the downwards quite slippery. We all arrived at Griffin Creek Hut relieved and tents were pitched and bunk beds Lunch at Rocky Creek Hut secured. A pot luck dinner turned out some great crackers and we got spoilt for dessert by Alan with chocolate mousse and Chris in honour of World Chocolate Day with fresh Strawberries which we dunked in freshly melted chocolate. The next morning saw the sun rise and we had a fantastic day walking out via Rocky Creek. It did take about 8 hours and 3 of us decided to track back the way we came in as Rocky Creek proved a bit too challenging. We enjoyed lunch in the sun at Rocky Creek Hut and took the opportunity to dry out some wet gear. The route was in reasonable shape and markers were set for most of the way. It didn't stop us from experiencing a bit of bush bashing and maker searching when we decided to leave the creek bed. We arrivee almost at the same time back at the cars. Lollies made the round and we were happy to have had a weekend with plenty of exercise and great mates. Alan Ross, Andrew Tromans, Lovisa Eriksson, Chris McGimpsey, Dean Herring, Delwyn Bassett, Jonathan Carr, Joshua Johnson, Ryan Foley, Andrea Zahn (scribe) 17-19 October 2014 Intermediate Alpine Skills Course A first in a while the club organised an intermediate Alpine Skills Course for 12 keen members who want to go further and expand their alpine knowledge. A cosy 4 of us headed to the club hut for Friday night, the rest joined us at the goods lift at Temple Basin on Saturday morning together with our two professional instructors Gideon and Dave. Luckily we got our gear onto the goods lift which made the hike up to the Lodge a pleasant and easy one. The smells wafting out of the kitchen made us feel immediately welcome and to give our instructors a bit of time to get organised we filled our bellies with toasties 17
fresh out of the oven and enjoyed a cuppa. At 12pm we set off in two groups to practise glacier travel, ice axe use, how to abseil, put rock anchors in place and trying hard to memorise knots No 8, overhand, French prussik, alpine butterfly, The weather was great, the sun was out. The snow a bit sparse and soft but that didn t stop us. Time flew by and by 7pm we were back in the lodge for dinner. A Thai Curry and a salad with yummy prawns tasted all the better after a day s hard work of learning. Dessert was not to be missed and Natasha added a lovely chocolate cake to the provided banana cake in order to celebrate her birthday. And yes, we did sing her Happy Birthday! The learning hadn t finished for the day though and we got together for a little wrap up session and a gear chat. Then it was on to prussiking up the ropes pretending we are dangling in a crevasse before hitting the pillow. Can we get this anchor our? After a filling breakfast we were out the door the next morning by 8:30am in search for frozen hard snow ideal for cramponing. We headed up to Bill s basin but had no luck and had to make do with the white wonder that was left, soft and wet. Crampons got put on nevertheless and we practised various techniques of walking, front pointing, daggering, step cutting and more in the fog. The odd flurry of snow and a little ray of sunshine every now and then. After lunch it was time to get to know the different ways of setting snow anchors and we did get around to practise and to find out how many of us it takes to pull one properly set anchor out. We all had a great time, gained some valuable knowledge and are looking forward to put everything into practice - except prussiking out of a crevasse. Andrew Smiffy Smith, Toni Bachvarova, Angela Lowery, Denise Stroud, Dougal Canard, Gort Stephan, Jovan Andric, Michael Hawke, Natasha Sydorenko, Ruth Gray, Warwick Dowling, Andrea Zahn (scribe). 25-27 October 2014 (Labour Weekend) The Clarence River Kayak Adventure We wanted to do something really exciting over this three day long weekend, so I investigated paddling the Clarence River in sea kayaks, a trip which is normally rafted in five days. Lots of information is available on the internet and it was clear that it is possible to complete it in the shorter time frame doing 50-65 km per day. Mostly grade two rapids getting up to several grade three rapids depending on the conditions. There are two gorge sections, Top Gorge, and Saw Tooth Gorge, and thrilling big rapids such as The Chute, The Jaw Breaker and The Nose Breaker. Particular mention is made of a really nasty rock with a hollow underneath that people have been dragged and caught under. (It is pictured on YouTube supposedly to make it easily identifiable). Brent and I had kayaked once before with Aarn down the Rakaia Gorge. I ll rescue you if you fall out I call, then plop I m out twice, and he stays in! Anyway he was keen for the 18
Clarence and we put the word out that we would like one or two other kayakers to join us. Biff had done it many years before in a smaller white water boat, accompanying a slow rafting party, and wanted to do it again but faster. So she joined our group using a borrowed Puffin sea kayak. Aarn had his double Necky and Brent his Storm. The lads and I took turns in the front of the double. The weather forecast was for -9 in the Kaikouras (-9!!) and a few showers on the second day so we wrapped up well. We camped at the get in at Acheron on Fri night where it was lightly snowing. The river was only 8 cumecs, but the level doubled immediately at the confluence. Other major tributaries upped the volume further down. A large party of rafting Airforce personnel were also doing a Labour weekend trip. After dire warnings of watch out for the dangerous rock, off we went, with the sun out and feeling great. After several hours the river got rougher. Aarn and Brent in the Necky shot off down a rather tricky bit with me following in the Storm. Rather unexpected and exhilarating but we stayed in. Biff decided to walk around and Aarn got to kayak her Puffin down for a second run of this rapid. We continued on to Palmer Hut for lunch, then Seymour Hut for overnight, continuing to look out for the nasty rock which we never saw. The Airforce guys later advised us the rock was partially under water and in the tricky bit, which was the grade three Top Gorge Chute. So we had paddled through without realising what it was. The second day was overcast, but a warmer start. My condensed research had me thinking this day would be relatively easy, with the rest of the big grade three rapids on the last day. I was helmsman in the back of the double, Aarn in front, and Brent kayaking his Storm. The water got bigger and stronger with some rapids going straight into walls at the bottom. Biff chose to portage some, the rest of us hunkered down and paddled hard. Suddenly Aarn disappeared as the double shot down into a big hole and the biggest wave I have ever Rapids ahead seen engulfed us. We popped up incredulous that we were still in, but how exhilarating. Brent was over to the side and also paddling well. What an adrenalin buzz, by far the biggest rapid the three of us had ever done. We were rapt. But this was supposed to be our easy day?? Having done so well on the big rapids, I then chose the wrong line in a little tiddler and broached the double on a rock. Aarn and I worked hard to remain in by leaning and bouncing the kayak around backwards. That worked, but then crash onto a smaller rock further down. Only in about a foot of fast water, but my legs got jammed in the sidewards kayak against the rock. Very painful and I was thinking that I would have to activate my PLB if my legs broke. Biff raced over to help Aarn extract me and phew free at last. Thanks guys!! Also thanks to Brent who was further downstream and rescued our paddles. Back in and on to Snowgrass hut for the second night. The Airforce guys asked how we handled the big drop and I said thrilling and fine. It was in fact the Jaw Breaker rapid, the biggest of the Clarence, and we had rode it down, yet again not expecting it at that time. There were six jet boats on the river and I was amazed they could get up and down the big 19
rapids and stay in one piece. I asked one of the owners how he would cope going up a rapid to find a kayaker coming down. He said they d be fine. My query was, would we? On the third day we set off in very cold rain. We stopped and added layers but were still quite cold. I noted with interest an engine in the river. Presumably from a jet boat, but no boat shell, and no people. Some just don t make it after all. Then the Clarence changes direction and swings back upon itself. The rapids were bouncy and straightforward from then on. Finally we got to the Glen Alton bridge 10km up from our planned exit on SH1., with our driver enabling an early exit option which Biff took. The rest of us continued on. Brent, who had surged confidently through every big rapid, looking like a gun, went back to being Bail Out Brent, as he fell out three times in quick succession on the relatively easy bits. As mentioned, Aarn and I tipped out together on the second day but it was through me choosing a bad line, so I see him as unblemished (and also a very good pack maker). Brent wins the Wally s award for stuffing up right at the end. What a fantastic experience! It really stretched my kayaking into a new level of adventure. Thoroughly recommended, and highly doable in three days, as long as there is enough flow. On the way home I had a trapped audience in the car enabling me to give a monologue on my passionate thoughts about aged care. Yawn! Everyone (including the driver) woke up brain numb just as we entered Chch. A big big thanks Bert Millin, who through his effort and kindness, transported us to get to our put in, and took us home in good time at the finish. Participants: CTC members: Carol Exton and Brent Rose; Non members: Aarn Tate and Biff Frederickson 9 November 2014 Mount Manson - Baldy Hill Bryce's mission to complete a traverse of the Craigieburn range piecemeal, took another step closet to fulfillment after a successful third attempt at Mount Manson and Baldy hill at the northern end of the range. Six keen trampers left the vehicles on the side of highway 73 just south of Ribbonwood Stream on a pleasant warm sunny day. After following a rough four wheel drive track round into Ribbonwood stream, we studied the ridge we were going to attack for a way through the Matagouri. This ended up easier than it looked from the flat thanks to plenty of animal trails to get us through mostly unscratched. We made good time up to point 1305 with a rest stop en-route to a slight detour to point 1790 for bagging rights. this point offered great views of the local lakes and surrounding mountains. Lunch was had in the saddle between Mount Manson and point 1790 where we were 20
surprisingly sheltered from the strengthening nor-west wind. After a bit of a slog up softish scree and a bit of rock scrambling, we summited Mount Manson to enjoy the views of the still snow capped peaks of Arthurs Park National Park. A bit of our hard work was quickly undone as we then dropped down nearly 200m before another scramble through the rocks back up to point 1828 before the last leg of climbing finally got us to Baldy Hill. The wind was getting quite strong by now as we all lay down behind a snow drift to shelter and rest before we tackled the long scree to the bottom of Baldy Hill, which was another reason Bryce took this route. The scree proved to be a bit of a mixed bag but still got us down the hill in quick time before the slog along the flats back to the cars. All done we traveled a modest 16 odd kilometers and climbed a total of about 1800M in just over 7 hours. Trampers: Dayle Drummond, David Sutton, Clive Marsh, Natasha Sydorenko, Rodney Erickson (scribe) and Bryce Williamson (leader). For photos visit rodneys blog: http://roddus.blogspot.co.nz/2014/11/mount-manson-baldy-hill-9-november-2014.html 13-16 November 2014 Nelson Lakes Show Weekend For the Love of Three Oranges We drove up to St. Arnaud in two cars about an hour apart and spent the night at the Kerr's Bay campground. I was first up on a frosty Friday morning; emerging from the tent I was attacked by seven ducklings, later Adrian met the same welcoming committee and was prompted to remark that Caneton a l' orange would do very nicely for an evening meal. By nine a.m. we were plodding up the Mt. Robert zigzag in bright sunshine which unfortunately didn't last. I had done this climb thirty- odd years ago and I was impressed in the improvements since that time. We met snow in patches before the top of the ridge but surprisingly the Skifield basin was devoid of any; further along the ridge the snow drifts all but buried the track marker poles and we had to take to the rocks above the track to avoid long snow plods in very soft snow with dubious run out below. The wind increased in strength and the Group on Mt Robert Ridge wind chill factor meant that only quick snacks were taken with lunch being postponed til we reached the Angelus Basin Hut. We arrived at this hut over a 30 minute period but all within the six hour time suggested by DoC. Snow conditions in the basin meant that the summer season had not begun so water had to be bought in from outside. We soon had the fire warming the hut and Adam set to baking his dessert cake in his camp oven outside the hut. About 5 p.m. we started on the appetiser; cheese crackers and dips then followed the famous Govan's Brew and finally the chocolate cake by now cool and iced. Overnight strong winds buffeted the hut so an early start on Saturday was out of the 21
question and we considered our options now that the exposed and long descent to Sabine Hut was out of the question. The newish route over into the Speargrass Basin and lower down the hut was considered but this would have meant walking into the strong wind and showers for several hours whereas the Cascade route down Hukere Stream would be quite sheltered after the first few minutes, even though this was a steep route and slippery rocks with snow cover would require care. In the end we had an early lunch and departed by 11:30a.m. Adrian and Adam forming an advance party to get to Coldwater Hut and get a fire going. Such was their haste to get away that Adam left his Orange bootees behind; he had a red pair as well and they had different soles with different friction properties. Fortunately we found them and took them down in the slow party. Antoniya was surprised to find a kiwi on the track: not a living specimen rather a lost mascot perhaps dropped by a previous party. We snacked briefly in the upper valley glade that I recalled from years ago; strangely its remembered beauty was not so marked in the drab overcast conditions on this occasion. At Coldwater Hut a welcoming fire and hot drink were enjoyed by all and a longish fine spell persuaded Adam and Li Li to brave the waters of Lake Rotoiti and the fresh flow of the Travers River which flowed past the end of the jetty. The rain returned, sending many out to retrieve items of gear that had been drying in the sun. The main course was a ratatouille style creation with plenty of fresh vegetables and cous cous and a homemade batch of oat biscuits almost muffins finished the meal. The sight of Adam resplendent in his Orange boots and Li Li wearing her Orange Crocs sitting side by side on the hut floor, backs to the fire caused Andrew (Smiffy) to reach for his camera. The kiwi mascot was beside them drying out after his wet time up the stream. What was on the mantel? What else but an (unfortunately) empty bottle of Cointreau? Later on Li Li braided Antoniya's hair; more fodder for the camera fiends. Adam and his fire (Coldwater Hut) On Sunday the weather continued its slow improvement so that by the time we had negotiated the lakeside track with its surprisingly steep last climb up to the road we were tramping in fine weather. Lunch in Murchison overtaxed the cafe we dined in after Li Li pronounced the steak at the oppostion eatery not up to standard. Because the trip was rather shorter than the original plan would have entailed we were back in Christchurch well before 6:00p.m. Thanks to Li Li for organising such a fine trip. Oh and the third orange? Well ask Adrian about his lunch menu choice. Participants: Li Li (leader), Antoniya Bachvarova, Adam Burke, Adrian Radcliffe, Andrew Smith, David Cook (Scribe). 22